BETWEEN 2 HEARTS
Between 2 Hearts - Episode 19
Tag: Royalty and Love.
Warning: Stay clear from this book
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
The next day, Naomi arrived at the palace, greeting the security guard at the post before entering. As she headed towards the palace building, she caught sight of Alex emerging from the house.
Her eyes widened, and she quickly lowered her face, hastening her footsteps. Alex stood staring after her, his eyes fixed on the spot where she disappeared around the corner of the building.
He sighed and went back inside, wondering why Naomi seemed so eager to avoid him. Unbeknownst to Alex, Naomi continued to hide from him whenever she saw him coming, always managing to slip away just in time.
Some minutes later, after completing her task, Naomi sat down near the laundry area, resting her head against the wall. She looked exhausted, her eyelids drooping as she struggled to stay awake.
Before long, she dozed off, her head nodding forward. Alex, who was walking around the house, stumbled upon her sleeping form. He stared at her for a while, noticing that she wasn't comfortable with the way she was sleeping.
Slowly, he sat down next to her, trying not to startle her. As he settled in, her head lolled to the side, coming to rest on his shoulder. A warm smile spread across his face.
He began to operate his phone, his fingers flying across the screen as he typed out a message. Naomi, oblivious to the change in her surroundings, continued to sleep peacefully, her head resting on Alex's shoulder.
***************
Later in the day, Naomi was busy helping out in the kitchen, her hands moving deftly as she chopped vegetables for the evening's meal. However, her mind was elsewhere, occupied with thoughts of the strange incident earlier.
She couldn't shake off the feeling that she had rested her head on someone's shoulder, feeling the warmth of the hand caressing her face. But when she woke up, she was resting her head on a chair, with no idea who could have brought it there or why she was resting on it. She was confused as she tried to make sense of the strange occurrence.
Meanwhile, Mia was lost in daydreaming, a soft smile playing on her lips. She couldn't shake off the image of Nathan's face, his piercing grey eyes and chiseled features etched in her mind.
Mrs. Ruth, stood studying the two girls, She wondered why one was smiling happily while the other looked confused.
"What could be going on with these two?" she thought to herself, before clearing her throat to get their attention.
Naomi and Mia jerked up from their thoughts, looking at each other before turning to her.
"You two want to tell me what's going on?" Mrs. Ruth asked, her eyes narrowing as she stared at them.
Naomi and Mia exchanged a nervous glance, before Naomi spoke up.
"Nothing, Mom."
"Alright, let's focus on getting dinner ready. We don't want to keep the royal family waiting."
They nodded and continued with their tasks, finishing up the cooking without any further distractions. After they were done, Naomi and Mia headed back to their room.
Mia plopped down on the bed, while Naomi began getting ready to go.
"You want to talk about it?" Naomi asked, curiosity etched on her face.
"About what?"
"About your smiling. Why are you so full of life?" She smile knowingly.
"Well, I just can't help it."Mia's cheeks flushed, and she sighed deeply.
"Help what?"
"My heart racing fast because of him."
Naomi's eyes widened, and she hurriedly sat down next to Mia. "Tell me, who is the lucky guy?"
"The one I mistakenly bumped into yesterday."
"Really?" her mouth dropped open in surprise.
"Yes, he's so cute! I just can't stop thinking about him. This is the first time my heart has beaten so fast for someone." She said enthusiastically.
"That's a good thing. But what are you going to do now? Will you tell him you like him?"
"No, I don't think I can do that. Didn't you see how wealthy he looks, and how I look? We're just not compatible. I might like him, but I'll never approach him."
"You're right." She nodded understandingly.
"I just wish he'd come around more often, so I can see him."
Her cheeks flushed with a deep blush, and Naomi smiled, rolling her head in amusement.
Soon after, Naomi made her way to the exit gate, a smile still plastered on her face as she replayed her conversation with Mia in her mind. She turned the corner of the building, lost in thought, when she was suddenly called out by Alex.
Her heart skipped a beat as she went startled, her balance wavering precariously. She almost reeled backward, but Alex was quick to react, grabbing her by the waist and pulling her closer to himself.
Their eyes locked, and for a moment, time stood still. Her hands rested on his chest, her fingers splayed across the fabric of his shirt. They stood there, frozen in the moment, the world around them melting away.
Alex's voice broke the spell, his words firm but gentle. "Are you okay?"
Naomi finally came back to reality, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. She quickly wiggled out of his arms, her eyes avoiding his as she bowed her head to the ground.
"Um, I'm sorry, Your Highness," she stammered.
"I'm sorry I startled you. I didn't mean to."
Naomi remained quiet, her face still bowed to the ground, her heart racing with a mix of emotions. The air was thick with tension, and for a moment, it seemed like time was standing still once again.
"Are you okay?" He asked again.
"Yes, Your Highness. Is there something you want me to do for you?"
"I just want to ask you something." His tone was gentle.
Naomi gulped hard, her eyes still fixed on the ground.
"Why are you running away from me?" Alex asked, his voice tinged with curiosity. "Did I do something wrong?" Naomi remained silent, her face still bowed. "Answer me, Naomi. Do I look so scary that you keep running away from me?"
"No, Your Highness, I am not running away from you."
"Can you just be free with me? I don't bite." He paused, his eyes locked on Naomi's downcast face. "Look at me." She hesitated, fidgeting with her fingers. "Naomi, look at me."
Slowly, he pulled closer to her, his hand lifting her chin to meet his gaze. Their eyes locked, and for a moment, they just stared at each other.
"Stop running away from me, Naomi. I don't bite. What happened between us twenty years ago is in the past. I don't hate you. You're still my friend."
Naomi's eyes widened, her face pale. She gulped nervously, and then, with a sudden burst of movement, she pushed back from him and ran off without looking back.
Alex stared after her, a sigh escaping his lips.
*********
The next day, Nathan and Diva strolled through the lush gardens, engaged in a lively conversation.
"So, I was mainly asking you, will you be free this weekend?" She asked.
"Hmm, I guess. Why do you ask?"
"I just want you to watch a movie with me." Her cheeks flushed with a soft blush.
"Oh, that. I'll see if I'll be available."
"Thank you, it would really mean a lot to me." Nathan nodded, "I guess you'll be at my parents' anniversary tomorrow?"
"You know I'd never miss that in the world."
They shared a soft laugh, their camaraderie warm and inviting.
Meanwhile, Mia walked along the winding garden path, a bowl of wet clothes clutched in her hands. She quickly caught sight of Nathan and Diva, her eyes locking onto Nathan's for a fleeting moment.
Mia's face turned bright red as she swiftly turned away, rushing off with her laundry. He stared after her,
Diva, lost in her own little world, remained oblivious to the brief encounter, her attention still focused on Nathan.
TBC
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